Obama honours Fela Kuti in new podcast, ‘Fear No Man’

Former United States President Barack Obama has paid tribute to legendary Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, describing him as a “musical genius” who fused art with activism to inspire generations.

In a video shared on his social media page on Wednesday night, Obama announced the release of a new podcast series titled “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” produced by Higher Ground, a media company he co-owns with his wife, Michelle Obama.

> “He is a musical genius from Nigeria who made some music that I really love, combining funk, jazz, and soul into a whole new genre called Afrobeat,” Obama said. “It’s a beautiful show about a unique figure in musical history who mixed art with activism.”

The 12-episode series celebrates Fela’s life, legacy, and revolutionary spirit, tracing his journey from his early childhood—watching his mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, make history—to his transformative time in Los Angeles in 1969, where his encounter with Black liberation movements shaped his Pan-African ideology.

Currently in its fourth episode, the podcast explores how Fela’s blend of music and political defiance sparked a global cultural movement that continues to influence artists today.

In the debut episode, “To Hell and Back,” Obama reflected on Fela’s enduring impact:

> “Music like Fela’s doesn’t just keep people moving—it makes them feel alive. Our best art and best music touch the soul.”

According to the producers, Fear No Man features contributions from Fela’s children—Yeni, Femi, and Mádé Kuti—alongside global figures such as Burna Boy, Paul McCartney, Questlove, and Santigold.

The series draws from over 200 interviews with Fela’s family, friends, scholars, and activists, offering an in-depth look into the transformative power of Afrobeat and the role of artists in times of global unrest.